The BJP and Shiv Sena alliance is dominating the Maharashtra municipal corporation elections, with a significant lead of over 900 seats. The Thackerays, who have held power in the prestigious BMC for 25 years, are facing a major setback. The BJP is leading in Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri Chinchwad, while the Shiv Sena is ahead in 26 wards.
Indian student Saketh Sreenivasaiah, studying at UC Berkeley, was found dead in Lake Anza after a days-long search. His roommate shared that Saketh had been struggling as an international student. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco is helping with arrangements to bring his body back to India. Saketh was last seen near Lake Anza and his disappearance was reported on February 9 or 10.
Mahashivratri 2026 will be observed on Sunday, February 15, marking the sacred night dedicated to Lord Shiva and his symbolic union with Goddess Parvati. Here is a complete guide to the date, shubh muhurat and spiritual significance of the festival.
Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival that honors the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It falls on February 15-16 this year and is celebrated with fasting, prayer, and meditation. The night-time festivities symbolize the victory of good over evil and purification of the soul. Let's send our loved ones heartfelt messages on this auspicious occasion.
India's foreign exchange reserves decreased by USD 6.711 billion to USD 717.064 billion, mainly due to a decline in gold reserves. However, foreign currency assets saw a rise, leading to an overall uptrend in the forex kitty. The RBI is confident in the country's external sector, which has been steadily increasing and can meet external financing needs.
Bangladesh is preparing for a significant political transition on February 17, with the swearing-in of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman as the next Prime Minister. The ceremony will be attended by leaders from 13 countries, including India. However, PM Modi is unlikely to attend due to a prior commitment. The event is seen as an opportunity to showcase Bangladesh's position in South Asia.
Saketh Sreenivasaiah, an Indian student studying at UC Berkeley, was found dead in Lake Anza after going missing earlier this week. The 22-year-old, who had completed his undergraduate studies at IIT Madras, was struggling with mental health issues and had even confided in his roommate. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco is assisting his family.
San Jose State University is investigating a possible hate crime against a Sikh student, sparking demands for accountability and raising concerns about religious hate. The victim was misidentified as Hindu, highlighting the issue of Hinduphobia. A Hindu American group has condemned the attack and the victim's brother emphasized the need for awareness and accountability at a town hall meeting.
IIT Guwahati will release the GATE 2026 answer key and response sheets this month. Candidates can use the key to check their answers and challenge any mistakes. The provisional key will be available in the last week of February, followed by the candidate response sheets. The final key will determine the results, and candidates can challenge specific questions by paying a fee.
Former US President Barack Obama has spoken out against a "racist" video posted by President Donald Trump on social media, depicting Obama and Michelle as apes. Obama expressed concern over the decline in discourse and the normalization of harmful behavior, but also highlighted the importance of peaceful protests and standing up for what is right.
Professional golfer Rahil Gangjee believes that the partnership between a golfer and their caddie is unique and essential. The caddie's skills in tracking the ball and providing emotional support, as well as their role in decision-making, are crucial. Gangjee also values the caddie's honesty and their ability to see a golfer's potential.
Anime's popularity in India has grown beyond niche interest, with viewers spending 60 minutes a day on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll. The genre is also gaining traction in cinemas, with record-breaking releases and a wider audience. This growth is being shaped by streaming platforms and exhibitors, who prioritize authenticity and timely releases.
The India AI Impact summit in New Delhi will showcase the country's digital public infrastructure, including UPI and DigiYatra, to foreign delegates. The Ministry of Electronics and IT is integrating systems to handle high delegate volumes and reduce friction in access, payments, and logistics. Over 100 delegations and 450 startups will participate, highlighting the DPI stack in action.
Hero MotoCorp's electric scooter brand Vida is driving its strong entry into the scooter market, surprising industry leaders and changing the competitive landscape. The success of Vida VX2 and the launch of a Battery-as-a-Service scheme has led to significant growth in scooter sales.
The 33rd Hanteo Music Awards will be held on February 15, 2026 in Seoul, featuring top K-pop performances and honoring their contributions. Hosted by Lee Chan Won and Tiffany Young, the event will award four Grand Prizes and will be broadcasted live on MBN and TikTok for international viewers. Super Junior's Kyuhyun is among the lineup of artists.
AI has sparked a "silent revolution" by challenging the belief that literacy is necessary for progress. This convergence of conversational AI and Indian languages is redefining literacy and has shown success in agriculture. Its potential must be harnessed for public good, focusing on local languages and skill building. Exclusion of AI, not AI itself, is the key.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan addresses the growing problem of "AI slop" and the need to regulate low-quality AI-generated content on the platform. This issue is also affecting other social media sites, with some channels gaining millions of views and subscribers through AI-generated videos. The abundance of absurd and violent content is causing confusion for viewers.
The ICC received criticism for allowing Indian rapper Hanumankind to perform before the India-Pakistan match at the 2026 T20 World Cup. Critics believe the decision was influenced by Indian commercial interests and lacked neutrality. Fans are frustrated and perceive bias towards the India-Pakistan game, wishing for its cancellation.
AI-powered apps are creating sexualized images of women and girls disguised as creative apps, easily accessible to children and generating millions in revenue. Despite claims of moderation, explicit content is being produced with minimal effort. Regulators are taking action to remove these apps and address age protections, but concerns remain as AI technology advances.
Sunny Deol has addressed the viral Dhurandhar dialogue that referenced his iconic films Ghayal and Ghatak, clarifying that he did not receive any royalty for the tribute. Calling it a “sweet gesture,” the actor said the line was included out of respect, as his resurgence continues with multiple 300-crore successes.
Artist Anish Kapoor plans to send a massive reflective sculpture into orbit to revive the sense of adventure in space and combat commercialization. The project will cost hundreds of millions of dollars and follows a rich history of art in space, including hidden pieces on the Moon and collaborations with private companies and astronauts.
Following the massive success of Border 2, Sunny Deol has opened up about the two decades of struggle that preceded his comeback. In a candid interview, the actor reflected on how post-2000 corporate filmmaking left little room for him, and how patience, belief and the right script eventually brought him back to the top of the box office.
Herbal cigarettes may seem like a safer option, but doctors warn that they still contain harmful chemicals that can increase the risk of cancer and other health issues. Despite the misconception, studies have shown that they can be just as harmful as regular cigarettes. Doctors urge for safer quitting methods and increased awareness about the dangers of smoking regardless of the type of cigarette.
"Khoj International Artists' Association presents 'Are You Human?', a global exhibition exploring the effects of advancing technology on our perception of humanity. Featuring diverse works from international artists, the exhibition delves into themes of AI, gaming, VR, and more, provoking contemplation on the role of technology in our lives and the potential risks it poses."
"The Laws of Thought" by Tom Griffiths explores the use of mathematics in understanding human cognition and its influence on modern AI systems. "The Longevity Code" by Sophia Pathai and Pullela Gopichand delves into the science behind living a longer, healthier life. "Bollywood, Hollywood & the Future of World Cinema" by Rajesh Talwar discusses India's global cinematic position.
Sarin's book, Sick Nation, exposes the harmful effects of hidden sugars in Indian staples and their contribution to lifestyle diseases. Backed by personal experiences and research, he presents a practical approach to improve metabolic health through nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
Controversial street-art collective and Rolex collaborate on "Time Flies" watch, hand-painted by houseflies using their regurgitation process. Despite backlash, global raffle draws thousands of entries and winner announced in early February.
Jennifer Aniston, a role model for healthy aging in Hollywood, prioritizes sustainability and a long-term approach to fitness. She follows a balanced routine with intermittent fasting and the 80/20 rule in her diet, and focuses on natural movements to strengthen her core and improve balance and posture. Her goal is not just to stay thin, but to be strong and capable as she ages.
Bangladesh's 13th general elections saw the victory of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), with Andaleeve Rahman Partho winning the Bhola-1 seat. Partho campaigned on promises of development and was backed by the BNP-led alliance. The BNP won 209 out of 297 seats, with Jamaat-e-Islami securing 68. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman on the victory, and a 59.
Priyadarshan has promised to pay Rajpal Yadav a higher fee in his next film and has taken steps to increase his income to help him through his current legal crisis. Yadav, who is serving a six-month sentence for a failed directorial debut, had borrowed Rs 5 crore. Others in the industry have also offered financial assistance. Yadav's bail hearing is scheduled for February.
2 teens were tragically killed and another wounded in a shooting at South Carolina State University, the second deadly incident on campus in four months. The two killed on Thursday were visiting as guests. The wounded individual, a male student, is still hospitalized. The shooting has raised concerns about safety and security measures at the university.
10-month-old Alin Sherin Abraham became Kerala's youngest organ donor after her parents consented to donate her organs following a declaration of brain death. Her organs, including liver, kidneys, corneas, and heart valve, were donated to five recipients in different hospitals. The process was coordinated by KNOS with assistance from the Home Department.
The 33rd Hanteo Music Awards on February 15 will honor the top K-pop artists and recordings from January to December 2025. Co-hosted by Lee Chan Won and Tiffany Young, the event will use Hanteo Chart's data to determine winners. PENTAGON's 10th-anniversary stage and other performances will be featured. The ceremony promises to uphold its tradition of fairness and trust.
Indian national Nikhil Gupta has admitted to charges of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a failed plot to assassinate pro-Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Gupta, along with co-defendant Vikash Yadav, was arrested in 2023 after enlisting the help of an undercover DEA officer to carry out the murder.
IndiGo, a top Indian airline, plans to hire 1,000 pilots in a major hiring push. This comes after the airline experienced disruptions due to new rest regulations. The recruitment includes trainee first officers, senior first officers, and captains, and the airline is open to hiring non-Airbus A320 experienced pilots.
An Indian student named Saketh Sreenivasaiah, studying at UC Berkeley, has disappeared in the US. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco and local authorities are searching for him. Saketh is considered an "at-risk" missing person, last seen near on Tuesday and is reportedly distressed over a relationship. Indian officials are making efforts to find him.
Ola Electric's Q3FY26 results show a net loss of ₹487 crore and a 55% decline in revenue due to poor vehicle sales. However, their focus on battery and energy storage business, with the launch of Ola Shakti and doubling production of 4680 Bharat cells, is expected to drive revenue potential of ₹15,000-20,000 crore.
Despite a decrease in market share over the past decade, sedans are still popular with 8.6% of the passenger vehicle market. The Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze are top performers, while the midsize sedan space has seen better days. However, with new launches and updates, sedans may see a resurgence in popularity as SUV fatigue sets in.
Indian national Nikhil Gupta has pled guilty to plotting the assassination of US-based pro-Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. He was recruited by an Indian government employee and worked with others in India to orchestrate the murder, as per US authourities. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic and extradited to the US.
RBI issues draft guidelines for banks lending to REITs, limiting exposure to 10% of eligible capital base. Banks must have board-approved policy and lend only to listed, registered REITs with no regulatory actions. Loans must be fully secured and monitored for proper use. RBI also plans to harmonize lending norms for infrastructure investment trusts. Guidelines to be effective from July 1.
Honasa Consumer, the parent company of Mamaearth, has seen a steady recovery in its financials over the past six quarters, with a profit of Rs 50 crore in the third quarter of the current fiscal. The company has also successfully implemented a distribution overhaul and narrowed its focus to five key categories. Brokerages are optimistic about its future growth.
The RBI has proposed new guidelines to enhance the Lead Bank Scheme, which aims to support priority sectors and inclusive growth. The framework will redefine objectives, clarify roles and responsibilities, and improve the effectiveness of SLBCs and LDM offices. Banks will be required to hold quarterly meetings and maintain a CD ratio of up to 60% in rural and semi-urban branches.
IT and software services firms are under pressure to change their models and processes to keep up with the growing influence of AI. This means rethinking their operating strategies, prioritizing important use cases, and investing in smaller, specialized teams with strong AI knowledge. While the market has expressed concern about the impact of AI on traditional outsourcing, experts see potential..
Niraj Jha, founder of ADSMITH, lost 65 kgs in two years by ditching quick fixes and adopting a high-protein, low-carb diet and daily walks. His wake-up call was being hospitalized due to his weight. He emphasizes the importance of consistency over dramatic transformations.
IT stocks, metal and commodities decline, global cues sluggish, markets drop more than 1.25%. Investor wealth erodes by Rs 10 lakh crore, Nifty VIX surges 13.36%. Sensex drops 1,048.16 points, Nifty 50 tanks 336.10 points. Large cap giants like HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank, HUL, and Eternal contribute to decline.
India's Food Ministry has lifted a four-year ban on wheat exports, allowing the shipment of 2.5 million tonnes of grains and 0.5 million tonnes of processed products. This decision was made due to surplus domestic stock and a projected record harvest, with private entities holding 7.5 million tonnes of grain.
The MG Majestor, launching in April, is a new contender in the full-size SUV market aiming to challenge the dominance of the Toyota Fortuner. It boasts advanced technology, a strong road presence, and luxurious features, but lacks the Fortuner's reliability.
Toyota has launched its first electric vehicle, the eBella, in collaboration with Maruti Suzuki. It offers two battery pack options and a unique design. With a smooth driving experience and a large storage area, it is a great choice for those switching from traditional cars. It also has access to India's largest charging network, but may have a rough ride on uneven roads and lacks paddle shift.
TVS Motor Company partnered with Gujarat Tourism for the Rann Utsav, organizing thrilling motorcycle adventures for over 100 enthusiasts. They also launched a custom series inspired by the region's culture. This collaboration aims to promote experiential tourism and showcase the iconic 'Road to Heaven' and starlit desert skies.
The government is launching a pilot program in Gujarat to use RBI's digital currency for distributing foodgrains and other items to PMGKAY and state government beneficiaries. This aims to prevent diversions and ensure subsidies reach the intended recipients. Similar pilots will be introduced in other urban areas, with digital food coupons deposited into mobile wallets.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released a revised CPI series with a 2.75% headline print for January. The new series, based on 2024, covers more consumer goods and shows a decrease in core inflation. The Reserve Bank of India has increased its inflation forecast to 2.1% for 2025-2026, viewing the new series as a more accurate representation.